‘She Wanted Justice’: Fear and Silence Grip Balasore’s FM College After Student’s Self-Immolation

‘She Wanted Justice’: Named after the great Odia social reformer Fakir Mohan Senapati, Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College is one of the top institutions in North Odisha. Established in 1944, it was one of the seven colleges set up during British Odisha and is a landmark of Balasore with great historical importance.

But today the institution is in shambles. A 20 year old girl died days after she set herself on fire after being cornered and denied justice. Outside the college gate, posters demanding justice for her and candlelight vigil reflect the pain on the campus. Inside the college, heavy police presence and eerie silence indicates something is seriously wrong within the walls which forced her to take such an extreme step.

Guards stood quietly at their posts. When approached by this reporter, one guard said, “She was a good girl, very helpful. But we don’t know anything. We can’t say anything."

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The spot where she attempted self immolation was right in front of the Principal’s office. Faculty members and students nearby were reluctant to speak, adding to the silence.

Dilip Kumar, a faculty member passing by, stopped and spoke to News18. “No one could ever imagine that a student would take such a step. This has never happened in our college’s history. We are stunned. Now we are hearing that the Principal delayed the enquiry report despite serious allegations. That day, she demanded justice. She wanted a solution – an immediate solution. We are shell-shocked. Admissions and all academic activities have come to a halt. We don’t know who is protecting whom."

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Fear is palpable on the campus. Fear of whom or what is unclear. But one thing is sure – she felt completely cornered. She was an active student leader of ABVP. ABVP leaders told News18 that they had taken up her case but the Principal was adamant to shield the accused professor.

“She wanted justice, but she felt cornered. That is why she took this drastic step," said a person who knew her, adding that the Principal’s behaviour further shattered her confidence.

Candlelight march has started in Balasore demanding justice for her. But the question remains – will she get it?

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